To the beloved clergy, monastics and faithful of the Russian True Orthodox Church Archdiocese of North America–mercy and peace be yours.

Once again, we find ourselves at the beginning of the Great Fast. As we stand at the gates we need to ask ourselves if this year finds us in better spiritual shape than previous years. Or, have we allowed ourselves to slip slowly back into our old habits and ways during the course of the past year? For most of us the answer is probably the latter. But we cannot allow ourselves to be disheartened. Because the wonderful thing about our spiritual journey is that it is never too late to start again.

This time of the year can be a very beneficial time for us if we use it wisely. We know that we need to pray and fast most fervently during this season, but we can do much more for ourselves than that. We can take this time to look deeply and honestly within ourselves and ask if we are truly the person we want to be. Are we living up to the great dignity of being children of God or have we found ourselves to be more like children of the world?

Today is the day for us to stop and ask ourselves if people have been able to see the light of Christ shining through us, or has the light dimmed or been extinguished? Have we been examples of Christian love and charity, or have we been more concerned with our own selfish needs? Have we made that effort to extend a helping hand or a kind word to those in need, or have our hands been withdrawn and our words used to hurt? These are only the tip of the mountain of questions we can begin to ask ourselves today and during the next forty days.

Let us all accept with gladness the challenge that comes before us today.   And let none of us emerge on the day of Resurrection the same person we are today.

With the bestowal of my archiepiscopal blessing on you, I remain

                                                Sincerely in Christ,